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How an American Acrobat Introduced Circus to Japan and Japan to the West

Frank Butler

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Published in Professor Risley And The Imperial Japanese Troupe: How An American Acrobat Introduced Circus To Japan And Japan To The West

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In the mid-19th century, Japan was a closed country, largely isolated from the outside world. However, in 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy arrived in Japan with a fleet of warships, demanding that the country open its ports to trade. This event, known as the Black Ships Incident, marked the beginning of Japan's modernization and its eventual emergence as a global power.

Professor Risley and the Imperial Japanese Troupe: How an American Acrobat Introduced Circus to Japan--and Japan to the West

by Frederik L. Schodt

4.7 out of 5

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Among the many Americans who came to Japan in the wake of the Black Ships Incident was an acrobat named John Manjiro. Manjiro had been shipwrecked on a Japanese island in 1841 and had spent the next ten years living among the Japanese people. He had learned the Japanese language and customs, and he had developed a deep love for the country.

When Manjiro returned to the United States in 1850, he began to share his experiences with his countrymen. He told them about the Japanese people's culture and traditions, and he praised their physical fitness and athleticism. He also told them about the Japanese love of entertainment, and he suggested that a circus might be a great way to introduce Japanese culture to the American people.

In 1861, Manjiro returned to Japan as part of a delegation of American diplomats. He was determined to start a circus in Japan, and he quickly set about making plans. He recruited a group of Japanese performers, and he began to train them in the art of acrobatics. He also designed and built a circus tent, and he arranged for a series of performances in Tokyo and other major cities.

The Japanese people were amazed by the skill and athleticism of the performers, and they quickly adopted circus as a new form of entertainment. The circus became a popular way for Japanese people to learn about American culture, and it also helped to promote friendship and understanding between the two countries.

In 1872, Manjiro returned to the United States with his circus. He performed to sold-out crowds in New York City, Boston, and other major cities. The American people were amazed by the skill and athleticism of the Japanese performers, and they quickly adopted circus as a new form of entertainment.

The circus became a popular way for American people to learn about Japanese culture, and it also helped to promote friendship and understanding between the two countries. Manjiro's circus was a major force in introducing circus to Japan and Japan to the West. It helped to create a new form of entertainment that has been enjoyed by people around the world for over a century.

The Legacy of John Manjiro

John Manjiro is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Japanese-American relations. He was a pioneer in introducing circus to Japan and Japan to the West, and he helped to create a new form of entertainment that has been enjoyed by people around the world for over a century.

Manjiro's legacy is still alive today. The circus he founded continues to perform in Japan, and it is still considered to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country. In the United States, the circus has become a beloved tradition, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Manjiro's story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference. He was a pioneer who was not afraid to take risks, and he helped to create a new form of entertainment that has been enjoyed by people around the world for over a century.

John Manjiro was a remarkable man who made a significant contribution to the world. He was a pioneer in introducing circus to Japan and Japan to the West, and he helped to create a new form of entertainment that has been enjoyed by people around the world for over a century. Manjiro's legacy is still alive today, and his story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference.

Professor Risley and the Imperial Japanese Troupe: How an American Acrobat Introduced Circus to Japan--and Japan to the West

by Frederik L. Schodt

4.7 out of 5